RESTAURANTS should be allowed to set up additional tables along the pavement and corridors should the government decide to let dine-ins again under the movement-control order (MCO), said former health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

These extra spaces would allow restaurant owners to adhere to the strict standard operating procedure (SOP), as well as not suffer losses due to there being fewer customers, he said.

It can also allow dine-ins safely by mitigating the three Cs: crowded places, close-contact settings and confined spaces.

“In many countries, where restaurants are street-facing, the government can make special allowances to close off some small streets and allow ‘open’ dining in those areas, with extra space between tables,” said the Selangor Covid-19 task force chairman.

Dzulkefly said this can be allowed in the evenings and permissible to allow dining for longer hours so that people don’t rush and squeeze in to eat within a short time period.

“For malls, the same analogous thing can be done. Allow the restaurants to spill over into the open mall spaces – cordoned off for the purpose – so there is extra space between tables.”

Meanwhile, he said restaurants should take extra precautions with hygiene, masks and face-shield requirements.

“Since those who are eating cannot wear masks, perhaps those who are serving can wear both masks and face shields,” he said.

The main issue right now is ensuring that the economy opens up safely while making informed decisions based on “good data” driven by science and evidence.

“We cannot be locked down forever until we reach herd immunity – this is unreasonable.

“While lives must be protected, l can’t overemphasize the devastating impact on livelihoods, the economy, jobs and enterprises if we are neither here nor there. We need clarity and assertiveness. Can’t be flip-flopping!”

On Saturday, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry said it would be submitting an application for dine-ins to be allowed during the MCO.

Its deputy minister, Rosol Wahid, said the application would be submitted to senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob or the National Security Council (NSC) soon.

Rosol said the application to allow dine-ins was made for the welfare of not only food premises and food-truck operators but also workers, suppliers and wholesalers of foodstuff and, basically, anyone involved in the food industry.

Owners of premises and food trucks promised to comply with all SOP set by the NSC if dine-ins are allowed.

The MCO, which is currently in force across the country, except for several areas in Sarawak, will be in effect until February 18.

Under the MCO, restaurants and eateries are only allowed to provide takeaways and deliveries. – February 9, 2021.